President John Garvey has named Robert M. Specter as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & University Treasurer. Specter has served the University since 2015, initially as Acting Vice President for Finance & Treasurer before being appointed to that permanent role in 2016.
Specter has led numerous strategic initiatives at Catholic University, among them the transformative energy distribution project, renovation of Maloney Hall, design and construction of the new student dining center, planning for the West Campus solar array, improvements to the operating and capital budget development processes, and endowment accounting, and expansion of IT network infrastructure to better serve students and faculty. He is tackling the University’s daunting deferred maintenance backlog with focused investments to improve building safety and accessibility, comfort and utility in support of academic needs across the campus.
Specter serves as Treasurer of the Corporation and of the Board of Trustees. He oversees the areas of accounts payable; audit services; operating and capital budget development and execution, including chairing the University Budget Committee; environmental health & safety; facilities planning, design, construction, management, maintenance and operations; general accounting; human resources; payroll; institutional research and assessment; procurement; technology services; real estate; finance; tax; treasury, and investment management.
Specter's new role aims to take further advantage of his broad experience, imagination, and reputation as a valued colleague to the University's senior staff, and trusted advisor to the President and Board of Trustees.
In conferring the new title, President John Garvey said, "the University continues to benefit enormously from Rob’s vision, energy, and experience. He cares deeply about the Catholic University community and works hard to grow our capacity to excel. We are a better organization because of his leadership, insights, and good humor.”